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Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Yesterday (2019) in Movies
Jul 26, 2021
A part time musician and shop worker, Jack wants nothing more than to become a successful recording artist. He busks in the street and sings in various small venues with not much of an audience and soon realises he is getting nowhere and decides to quit performing. On his way home from his last gig, there's a blackout and Jack is hit by a bus ending up in hospital. Upon his release, he sings a beatles song for his friends and he comes to the realisation that the beatles have been wiped from existence as his friends had no idea who he was talking about. Jack sees this as the perfect opportunity to sing and perform their songs as if they were his own and he becomes an overnight success.
As someone who wasn't around when the beatles were around, I wasn't sure if I would like this movie, but I actually enjoyed it. I recognised many songs as I grew up with a dad who is a massive fan and even found myself singing along, though there were a few I had never heard of.
Ed sheeran is a surprisingly good actor too and makes a great addition to the cast, I did find it funny when his phones ringtone was one of his own songs.
The movie has a good mixture of drama and comedy, when it first started I expected it to be a slapstick comedy, but thankfully it wasn't that at all.
I quite liked the scene with John lennon, I've seen him in pictures and Documentaries and he looked so much like him. It was lovely to see what could have been.
The ending didn't end how I expected it to end, I won't spoil it but if you think of the ending of every movie where someone or something changes, for example switching bodies and you'll know what I mean.
Overall it was a good movie and I definitely recommend it, even if you're not a beatles fan.
As someone who wasn't around when the beatles were around, I wasn't sure if I would like this movie, but I actually enjoyed it. I recognised many songs as I grew up with a dad who is a massive fan and even found myself singing along, though there were a few I had never heard of.
Ed sheeran is a surprisingly good actor too and makes a great addition to the cast, I did find it funny when his phones ringtone was one of his own songs.
The movie has a good mixture of drama and comedy, when it first started I expected it to be a slapstick comedy, but thankfully it wasn't that at all.
I quite liked the scene with John lennon, I've seen him in pictures and Documentaries and he looked so much like him. It was lovely to see what could have been.
The ending didn't end how I expected it to end, I won't spoil it but if you think of the ending of every movie where someone or something changes, for example switching bodies and you'll know what I mean.
Overall it was a good movie and I definitely recommend it, even if you're not a beatles fan.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Obscura Burning in Books
Jan 12, 2021
3.5 stars.
I love the cover of this. It's very sci-fi-y and drew my attention straight away before I even read the synopsis.
So I found this to be a bit confusing with the continuous switching between realities and it took me a while to get used to it, especially keeping up with how all the other characters interacted with Kyle between the two realities he was living. In one people are alive who should have been dead, in the other he was friends with a girl who treated him like crap in the former. Another strange fact is that while he's in one alternate universe, he continues to function in the other, so he zips back and forth and can be in the middle of doing something that he then doesn't remember starting.
The girl I just mentioned above, Mya, tries to help Kyle figure out what's happening by taking him to a scientist/professor who did a paper on multiverses. In the "Danny's dead" world, I really like her, she's friendly and fun, while in "Shira's dead" world, well, she's not. (I think I got that right...)
As for Danny and Shira, I don't think I was a fan of them from the start. I'm not sure why, maybe it was because we never really saw enough of them, or the them before the fire that injured/killed them. But by the end, I definitely didn't like them.
The writing style was easy to get into and I kinda devoured the book when I finally just sat back and let myself read it without any distractions.
Don't be put off with it having a gay relationship in it, there's nothing overtly graphic between Danny and Kyle, just references, it doesn't go into great detail. It doesn't go into detail with Kyle's female relationships either.
This was probably a little too sci-fi for me; alternate universes? Erm...not really my thing but I did enjoy it. If you like sci-fi and mystery then you'll probably like this.
I love the cover of this. It's very sci-fi-y and drew my attention straight away before I even read the synopsis.
So I found this to be a bit confusing with the continuous switching between realities and it took me a while to get used to it, especially keeping up with how all the other characters interacted with Kyle between the two realities he was living. In one people are alive who should have been dead, in the other he was friends with a girl who treated him like crap in the former. Another strange fact is that while he's in one alternate universe, he continues to function in the other, so he zips back and forth and can be in the middle of doing something that he then doesn't remember starting.
The girl I just mentioned above, Mya, tries to help Kyle figure out what's happening by taking him to a scientist/professor who did a paper on multiverses. In the "Danny's dead" world, I really like her, she's friendly and fun, while in "Shira's dead" world, well, she's not. (I think I got that right...)
As for Danny and Shira, I don't think I was a fan of them from the start. I'm not sure why, maybe it was because we never really saw enough of them, or the them before the fire that injured/killed them. But by the end, I definitely didn't like them.
The writing style was easy to get into and I kinda devoured the book when I finally just sat back and let myself read it without any distractions.
Don't be put off with it having a gay relationship in it, there's nothing overtly graphic between Danny and Kyle, just references, it doesn't go into great detail. It doesn't go into detail with Kyle's female relationships either.
This was probably a little too sci-fi for me; alternate universes? Erm...not really my thing but I did enjoy it. If you like sci-fi and mystery then you'll probably like this.
Debbiereadsbook (1554 KP) rated Hanging with Daddy (Pride Pet Play 2023) in Books
Jun 13, 2023
cute and sweet but maybe not for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, i was gifted my copy of this book.
I love JP Sayle, you know I do. I've watched the skill this author has grow from the very beginning, and I'm incredibly proud of the work this author continues to produce.
But!
This one I found a little too sweet for me, and I hate that I did.
It's well told, from both Gaines and Austin's point of view. It's the first I've of a koala as a chosen pet for play, and at times, I did find the koala stuff too much. There were koalas in everything, EVERYTHING Gaines did, and it was a bit overpowering.
I loved that both men had an immediate and powerful reaction to the other, and both men, once they started to get to know each other, were fully able to adapt and bend to the others' needs, without sacrificing their own. I liked that Austin gave Gaines time to work things out in his head, before he came to Austin, even if it killed Austin to wait.
I loved that we got to catch up with Terrence and Warner from A Little Christmas, Terrence. It's always great catching up with characters fromprevious reads, even in those that can stand alone from others.
I really liked that, while some things *little* were mentioned in passing, and others were talked about, Gaines doesn't slip far into little-space. He's more a pet-space kinda guy and I did like that. LOVED the descriptions of Gaines climbing Austin like a pole! LOVED them!!
It's steamy and smexy, not overly emotional and there is no real drama, save for Gaines getting his head straight to talk to Austin.
It just didn't really work for me, and I hate that it didn't! I'm sorry, Jayne!
3 good, but not really for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I love JP Sayle, you know I do. I've watched the skill this author has grow from the very beginning, and I'm incredibly proud of the work this author continues to produce.
But!
This one I found a little too sweet for me, and I hate that I did.
It's well told, from both Gaines and Austin's point of view. It's the first I've of a koala as a chosen pet for play, and at times, I did find the koala stuff too much. There were koalas in everything, EVERYTHING Gaines did, and it was a bit overpowering.
I loved that both men had an immediate and powerful reaction to the other, and both men, once they started to get to know each other, were fully able to adapt and bend to the others' needs, without sacrificing their own. I liked that Austin gave Gaines time to work things out in his head, before he came to Austin, even if it killed Austin to wait.
I loved that we got to catch up with Terrence and Warner from A Little Christmas, Terrence. It's always great catching up with characters fromprevious reads, even in those that can stand alone from others.
I really liked that, while some things *little* were mentioned in passing, and others were talked about, Gaines doesn't slip far into little-space. He's more a pet-space kinda guy and I did like that. LOVED the descriptions of Gaines climbing Austin like a pole! LOVED them!!
It's steamy and smexy, not overly emotional and there is no real drama, save for Gaines getting his head straight to talk to Austin.
It just didn't really work for me, and I hate that it didn't! I'm sorry, Jayne!
3 good, but not really for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Flight Attendant in Books
Feb 26, 2018
Compulsively readable (1 more)
Fascinating, befuddling story
Unpredictable book that sucks you in from the start
Cassandra Bowen is a flight attendant with a history of bad decisions--most of them tied to her predilection to heavy drinking. Mostly her drinking leads to sexual encounters with dubious men, topless dancing, and a few bouts of blackouts. But when Cassie's work takes her to Dubai, she spends the night with a gentleman she met on the plane, drinking heavily with him all evening; in the morning she wakes up next to him in bed and finds him dead, covered in blood. Alone and female in Dubai, Cassie sneaks out of the hotel room and returns home on the plane with her fellow flight attendants, setting off a trail of lies that will haunt her. And in the back of her mind, she fears the worst: could she have killed Alex while drunk? And what will happen when the authorities discover her deception?
This novel starts off with a bang, with Cassie waking up next to a dead man. Once Cassie gets back to the States, I found myself fascinated what could possibly happen for the other 80% of the book. (My mistake, a lot can happen.) The entire novel kept me wondering what on earth would come next. This is a crazy, unpredictable book that sucks you in and never lets you go. I was constantly wondering who the various characters were--who really was Alex, for instance? Is there more to Cassie than we are being told? I was honestly confused for a good portion of the book, which doesn't happen often when I read.
It was really fun and befuddling to piece things together in this one. The book was rather stressful, trying to decipher all the various characters and to deal with Cassie's high-risk behavior. As the end nears, I was actually shocked by a couple of twists, which I really appreciated. It's rare that a thriller truly shocks me anymore. I was truly impressed with this one. The ending was a little odd, but as I pondered it more, I think I'm good with it.
As for Cassie, she was a hard character to like, and there's certainly been no shortage of unreliable drunken female narrators in contemporary fiction as of late. Still, you can't help but get caught up in her story. It's compulsively readable. There are also lots of good flight attendant stories; Chris Bohjalian always well researches his books.
Cassie's chapters also alternate with a woman named Elena, which is an effective storytelling device, and only ratchets up the suspense. Her tale is just as befuddling as Cassie's--perhaps even more so--and just added to my desire to turn the pages and find out what on earth was going on and how these people were all connected. Bohjalian really weaved a fascinating story here, and I love how all of his books are so different. Whereas some can be emotional, this one was truly a thriller, and focused so much on the story and mystery. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it was great.
I also found some amusing little personal tidbits in the book: references to Charlottesville (the second in a row in the novels I read--it's my hometown) and Cassie's Kentucky references, including her attendance at the University of Kentucky. We are, in fact, a UK and UVA household--my five-year-old twins are very divided between the two. It's funny how little things stick with you when you read a novel.
Overall, this was a great read. Completely befuddling, but incredibly suspenseful and just sort of fun. Not at all what I expected from Bohjalian, but a fascinating, enjoyable thriller. I was completely lost in Cassie and Elena's bizarre world for a few days--the sign of a great book. 4 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review; more at http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
This novel starts off with a bang, with Cassie waking up next to a dead man. Once Cassie gets back to the States, I found myself fascinated what could possibly happen for the other 80% of the book. (My mistake, a lot can happen.) The entire novel kept me wondering what on earth would come next. This is a crazy, unpredictable book that sucks you in and never lets you go. I was constantly wondering who the various characters were--who really was Alex, for instance? Is there more to Cassie than we are being told? I was honestly confused for a good portion of the book, which doesn't happen often when I read.
It was really fun and befuddling to piece things together in this one. The book was rather stressful, trying to decipher all the various characters and to deal with Cassie's high-risk behavior. As the end nears, I was actually shocked by a couple of twists, which I really appreciated. It's rare that a thriller truly shocks me anymore. I was truly impressed with this one. The ending was a little odd, but as I pondered it more, I think I'm good with it.
As for Cassie, she was a hard character to like, and there's certainly been no shortage of unreliable drunken female narrators in contemporary fiction as of late. Still, you can't help but get caught up in her story. It's compulsively readable. There are also lots of good flight attendant stories; Chris Bohjalian always well researches his books.
Cassie's chapters also alternate with a woman named Elena, which is an effective storytelling device, and only ratchets up the suspense. Her tale is just as befuddling as Cassie's--perhaps even more so--and just added to my desire to turn the pages and find out what on earth was going on and how these people were all connected. Bohjalian really weaved a fascinating story here, and I love how all of his books are so different. Whereas some can be emotional, this one was truly a thriller, and focused so much on the story and mystery. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it was great.
I also found some amusing little personal tidbits in the book: references to Charlottesville (the second in a row in the novels I read--it's my hometown) and Cassie's Kentucky references, including her attendance at the University of Kentucky. We are, in fact, a UK and UVA household--my five-year-old twins are very divided between the two. It's funny how little things stick with you when you read a novel.
Overall, this was a great read. Completely befuddling, but incredibly suspenseful and just sort of fun. Not at all what I expected from Bohjalian, but a fascinating, enjoyable thriller. I was completely lost in Cassie and Elena's bizarre world for a few days--the sign of a great book. 4 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review; more at http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Curse of Oak Island: The Story of the World's Longest Treasure Hunt in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
My family and I have never missed an episode of the History Channel's series "The Curse of Oak Island". For 5 seasons, we have cheered along with and rooted for Rick, Marty, Craig, Dan, Dave, and the rest of the team of treasure hunters. We have favorite "characters" and discuss the show well after the episode has ended. We are looking forward to November 13, 2018, the season premiere date of season 6.
Each episode contains history, theories, and current attempts on the island. "The Curse of Oak Island: The Story of the WorldÕs Longest Treasure Hunt" by Randall Sullivan drilled deeper than the show has. Yes, pun intended. The show frequently repeats information but I found the book to be more direct and contains detailed information that spans the history of treasure hunting on Oak Island. It is an in-depth, well researched study that is able to answer questions and explain the details of what is mentioned in the show's narrative. It also answers questions you did not know you had. It is a wonderful companion for those who have watched the show or for those who want to start watching the upcoming season without watching the prior ones.
My family and I have never missed an episode of the History Channel's series "The Curse of Oak Island". For 5 seasons, we have cheered along with and rooted for Rick, Marty, Craig, Dan, Dave, and the rest of the team of treasure hunters. We have favorite "characters" and discuss the show well after the episode has ended. We are looking forward to November 13, 2018, the season premiere date of season 6.
Each episode contains history, theories, and current attempts on the island. "The Curse of Oak Island: The Story of the WorldÕs Longest Treasure Hunt" by Randall Sullivan drilled deeper than the show has. Yes, pun intended. The show frequently repeats information but I found the book to be more direct and contains detailed information that spans the history of treasure hunting on Oak Island. It is an in-depth, well researched study that is able to answer questions and explain the details of what is mentioned in the show's narrative. It also answers questions you did not know you had. It is a wonderful companion for those who have watched the show or for those who want to start watching the upcoming season without watching the prior ones.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated W is for Wasted (Kinsey Millhone, #23) in Books
Dec 4, 2022
Distracted Plot Wastes Time in This Book
PI Kinsey Millhone is facing a stretch with no clients over the next couple of weeks, which she isn’t quite sure how she will fill. That is, until she gets a phone call from the coroner’s office. A homeless man has died, and the coroner has no idea who he is. The only thing they have to go on is Kinsey’s name and office number. Who might he be? Why did he have Kinsey’s contact information in his pocket?
The premise of this book captured my attention from the start. Unfortunately, the plot wandered, with a sub-plot taking over the middle of the book before Kinsey really even discovers there is a crime for her to solve. We know that sooner thanks to some flashback chapters written in third person. Both parts of the book are rushed in their resolution, leaving a couple of things dangling. However, I still found myself engaged in the book thanks to the characters, who I still love. It might have helped that I listened to the audio instead of reading it. Judy Kaye, the narrator, does a great job once again here. Fans of the series will want to see what happens here, but if you haven’t met Kinsey yet, I recommend you start earlier and work your way to this book.
The premise of this book captured my attention from the start. Unfortunately, the plot wandered, with a sub-plot taking over the middle of the book before Kinsey really even discovers there is a crime for her to solve. We know that sooner thanks to some flashback chapters written in third person. Both parts of the book are rushed in their resolution, leaving a couple of things dangling. However, I still found myself engaged in the book thanks to the characters, who I still love. It might have helped that I listened to the audio instead of reading it. Judy Kaye, the narrator, does a great job once again here. Fans of the series will want to see what happens here, but if you haven’t met Kinsey yet, I recommend you start earlier and work your way to this book.
Merissa (13378 KP) rated The Quid Pro Quo (The Bradfield Trilogy #2) in Books
Jan 7, 2022 (Updated Jul 5, 2023)
THE QUID PRO QUO is the second book in the Bradfield Trilogy although you could, as I have, read it as a standalone.
It is set in 1920s England where magic comes alive in a not-so-fun way. Walt is the nurse to Sylvia's doctor, and the story starts with them being called to the village duck pond as a body has been found. The mystery unravels as the story progresses, giving you insight into a world 'other' than our own.
This is paced perfectly for a cosy mystery - with questions aplenty until it is all explained nicely and wrapped in a bow. I really want to read books one and three now (even though book three isn't even available yet) just to see where it takes me. The characters are wonderfully relatable and the world is both realistic and nostalgic in a rose-tinted glasses kind of way.
The story and characters held my attention from the beginning and kept me enthralled until the end. Thoroughly enjoyable and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 7, 2022
It is set in 1920s England where magic comes alive in a not-so-fun way. Walt is the nurse to Sylvia's doctor, and the story starts with them being called to the village duck pond as a body has been found. The mystery unravels as the story progresses, giving you insight into a world 'other' than our own.
This is paced perfectly for a cosy mystery - with questions aplenty until it is all explained nicely and wrapped in a bow. I really want to read books one and three now (even though book three isn't even available yet) just to see where it takes me. The characters are wonderfully relatable and the world is both realistic and nostalgic in a rose-tinted glasses kind of way.
The story and characters held my attention from the beginning and kept me enthralled until the end. Thoroughly enjoyable and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 7, 2022
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Two Kinds of Truth (Harry Bosch #20) in Books
May 29, 2025
Two Kinds of Cases
When two pharmacists are killed in San Fernando, it’s all hands on deck, including reserve officer Harry Bosch. It quickly looks like the motive might not be robbery but something to do with the drug trade. But Bosch’s attention is being split since an almost 30-year-old case is being questioned thanks to fresh DNA evidence. If these new test results are right, it looks like Bosch sent the wrong man to prison back then. Can he figure out what is happening to keep a killer behind bars?
Bosch having two cases he is juggling has become a staple of the series, and there’s usually one I care about more than the others. This time, I found the modern story just okay. It was too straightforward and felt written to bring in real life topics for 2017. The old case, however, was compelling, and when that was the focus, I had a hard time putting the book down. We see some Lincoln Lawyer characters and a few faces from Bosch’s past, which is great, and all the characters were engaging. As usual, these books incorporate a little more of the real world into the stories, but as long as you know going in, you will be fine. Overall, I did enjoy book twenty in this long running series.
Bosch having two cases he is juggling has become a staple of the series, and there’s usually one I care about more than the others. This time, I found the modern story just okay. It was too straightforward and felt written to bring in real life topics for 2017. The old case, however, was compelling, and when that was the focus, I had a hard time putting the book down. We see some Lincoln Lawyer characters and a few faces from Bosch’s past, which is great, and all the characters were engaging. As usual, these books incorporate a little more of the real world into the stories, but as long as you know going in, you will be fine. Overall, I did enjoy book twenty in this long running series.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Those Girls in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Jess, Dani, and Courtney live in a neglected house with their abusive and drunken father. One night, after a particularly bad fight, the girls have to flee town quickly -- only to see things go from bad to worse as their truck breaks down during their journey. Eventually, the story picks up 18 years later (with the girls living under new names), when a turn of events threatens to tear down the lives they've managed to somewhat re-build.
This book was rather bizarre, I have to say. First of all, do not read this if you are triggered by scenes of brutal abuse or rape. Just don't. Terrible things happen in this book. It was almost mind-numbing to read - almost too much.
I'm still not sure how I feel about this one. The sisters drove me a bit crazy. It seemed like one bad decision after another with them. I know they are young when they initially leave home, and abused, but seriously? Then it just seems like the book was a series of misfortunes after another. I feel like Stevens could have limited it at some point. However, it was all oddly compelling, and I found myself reading the whole thing rather compulsively, even if I was constantly disappointed and disheartened by each turn of events.
(Note: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
This book was rather bizarre, I have to say. First of all, do not read this if you are triggered by scenes of brutal abuse or rape. Just don't. Terrible things happen in this book. It was almost mind-numbing to read - almost too much.
I'm still not sure how I feel about this one. The sisters drove me a bit crazy. It seemed like one bad decision after another with them. I know they are young when they initially leave home, and abused, but seriously? Then it just seems like the book was a series of misfortunes after another. I feel like Stevens could have limited it at some point. However, it was all oddly compelling, and I found myself reading the whole thing rather compulsively, even if I was constantly disappointed and disheartened by each turn of events.
(Note: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Elite (The Selection, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
The Selection has narrowed down to just six girls. Who will win the Prince and the crown?
**Please be aware of SPOILERS if you have not read The Selection**
Tensions rise as the selection is narrowed down. True motives are shown and more than one heart is broken. The intensity dramatically increases in The Elite. Rebel attacks become more frequent and violent. Passion is heightened and the stakes are higher than ever. Who will stay and who will be sent home?
"It wasn't like I made his world better. It was like I was his world. It wasn't some explosion; it wasn't fireworks. It was a fire, burning slowly from the inside out." - The Elite Page 298
I found The Elite even more engrossing than The Selection. An excellent continuation of the series. Kiera's writing improves with this book and I was very impressed. Little things in the dialogue from The Selection were ironed out in The Elite. As America's diplomatic training progresses, so does the writer evolve with her. Excellent!!! While the passion is slightly intensified, it remains "clean". Nothing goes farther than passionate kissing. Again, parents please use your own discretion for your kids. Already started The One...And I was smart this time...I also have The Heir in my possession. The Crown is the fifth and final book in the series, and is due to be released in May. I can NOT wait!!!
**Please be aware of SPOILERS if you have not read The Selection**
Tensions rise as the selection is narrowed down. True motives are shown and more than one heart is broken. The intensity dramatically increases in The Elite. Rebel attacks become more frequent and violent. Passion is heightened and the stakes are higher than ever. Who will stay and who will be sent home?
"It wasn't like I made his world better. It was like I was his world. It wasn't some explosion; it wasn't fireworks. It was a fire, burning slowly from the inside out." - The Elite Page 298
I found The Elite even more engrossing than The Selection. An excellent continuation of the series. Kiera's writing improves with this book and I was very impressed. Little things in the dialogue from The Selection were ironed out in The Elite. As America's diplomatic training progresses, so does the writer evolve with her. Excellent!!! While the passion is slightly intensified, it remains "clean". Nothing goes farther than passionate kissing. Again, parents please use your own discretion for your kids. Already started The One...And I was smart this time...I also have The Heir in my possession. The Crown is the fifth and final book in the series, and is due to be released in May. I can NOT wait!!!